Interpersonal Relationships Lecture 3 - Psychology

Interpersonal Relationships
Lecture 3: interpersonal attraction


Olson & Marshuetz: attractiveness is appraised even outside of conscious awareness.


“an ugly baby is a very nasty object” – Queen Victoria
Mothers treat ugly babies differently. They are more playful towards attractive babies and
display more affection toward attractive babies.


Does appearance matter?
 Attractive people are being helped more quickly.
 Judge give lower sentences to attractive convicts.
 Strong attractiveness bias in hiring decisions.
 Attractive people earn more.
Overall: more attractive people tend to be somewhat happier and less depressed.


Why? A proximate explanation
Attractiveness is associated with the reward systems in the brain. When an attractive person
gazes at you the ventral striatum is activated.


Why? A stereotype account
“What is beautiful is good”-stereotype.
Halo effect = attractive individuals are perceived as more sociable, friendly, warm, competent
and intelligent.
Is there some truth to the halo-effect? Yes, physical attractiveness correlates with social skills,
friendliness, etc. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy.